74 NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY

Communication Skills for Professional Nurses Pagan0 & Ragan Sage 1992 15Opp ISBN: 080394557 4 f9.95

This compact book takes an interesting and timely perspective on communication skills by addressing both verbal, non-verbal and written aspects of the topic. It provides a fresh analysis of the importance of effective communication; combining theory with practice based examples and exercises. The latter give readers opportunities to examine their own responses to certain situations and moves away from a mechanis- tic approach to learning communications theory.

The book relates to technological advances and societal changes that are demanding nurses communi- cate at many different levels. As a nurse needs to be both informative and persuasive, compassionate and perceptive, the authors have also explored these dimensions. In order to tackle such eclectic tasks, the book provides a range of strategies based on dynamic theories as well as legal considerations.

Because the book is written by and for North American Nurses there are two major disadvantages. Some of the referenced material will be less readily available. Secondly, the exercises and examples are culture bound and require transposing to the UK context.

Despite these drawbacks, the size and price of the book deem it a very manageable resource for individ- uals, ward bases, teaching purposes and library reference. What is needed now is an English version.

SA BACH RSN RHV BSc RNT MSc

Mosbys Nursing Drug 1994 L Skidmore-Roth Mosby Yr Book 1992 1037~~ ISBN:O 8016 6198 6 f16.50

This American drug reference has been revised and updated with some 19 new drugs added to the 1000 generic drugs already included. Each drug is indexed alphabetically by its generic name, followed by the various American and Canadian trade names. Included in the drug information is the action, use, dosage, route of administration, side effects, adverse reactions, contra-indications, interactions and incompatibilities.

The most useful aspect of this truly pocket-sized book is the inclusion for each drug of a section entitled nursing considerations. The section is organised to encourage a problem solving approach by subdivision into assessment, administration, provision, evaluation and teaching of patient/family. There is also a large index and a number of useful appendices.

Currently there are a number of drug references, some are pocket-sized and some give nursing informa- tion. This is the first book that I have seen that combines both features. However, it is an American text and thus drug names do differ from those in the UK, a feature that considerably limits its appeal. My advice would be to stick with a British text, they may not be pocket-sized but are easier to use.

ANNE BETTS BSc (Hans) MSc RGN RNT

Successful Study for Degrees Rob Barnes Routledge 1992 175pp ISBN: 0 425 07845 8 g30.00

This book is clearly written and well presented. The summary and action plan at the end of each chapter are particularly useful. They can be used not only as a summary of the material covered but also as a quick source of reference and revision material. It is well referenced combining information from standard educational texts as well as from more up-to-date sources. The index used in conjunction with the contents pages enables the reader to access specific subject matter within the text.

The book is expensive at the price of f30.00 for the hardback edition. In view of this fact and that it deals with the very specific area of developing study skills, I would not recommend it for individual purchasers but it would be a useful addition to the study skills section of any nursing library. Its generic educational approach means that as its title suggests it would be a suitable reference book for any students undertaking a degree programme.

ALISON

& P.

illus ISBN: o-415-05486-9 &lo.99

My reaction on receiving this book to review was ‘Why on earth was this sent to Nurse Education Today?’ Initial scrutiny could suggest no answer to my ques- tion. The books relevance to nurses appeared negligible.

A closer examination revealed a different picture. Repeatedly in the papers, such as those on family therapy by Vetere and on practice by Watson & Williams, the imbalance of power is illustrated. This is all too easily recognisable to nurses and midwives. The solution, empowerment, is discussed at length.

Ussher’s chapter on science in psychology carries a sadly familiar note for health care researchers using